Casualties unknown

Airplane Descends Straight Down Near Destination Airport (N8953M)

Harned, KY, US

On June 27, 2003, a Beech 35-B33 (registration N8953M) was involved in an aviation accident near Harned, KY. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The airplane's in-flight collision with terrain for undetermined reasons. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-06-10Data APIEditorial standards

Witnesses report an airplane descending straight down like a WWII dive bomber, with engine at full power. No mechanical deficiencies found during examination.

Incident Overview

According to witnesses, an airplane was observed descending straight down approximately 30 miles from its intended destination. The witnesses likened the descent to that of a World War II dive bomber aircraft. They reported hearing the engine operating at what sounded like full power, with the throttle apparently wide open.

Witness Accounts

The weather conditions at the time were described as clear with good visibility. The pilot and a passenger were returning from a vacation and were 30 miles from their destination airport when the incident occurred.

Examination

A thorough examination of the airplane and its engine revealed no mechanical deficiencies or malfunctions that could explain the observed descent profile.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20030715X01107. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.